182 SYLVIADjE. 



it has occurred to me in suitable localities, and is not confined 

 to where "reeds and other tall aquatic plants abound" (or 

 even grow), as is described; but is found in the lower grounds 

 about old ditch-banks, on winch the sloe or blackthorn (Primus 

 spinosa) and other shrubby plants afford a safe asylum; also 

 on the banks of mountain rivulets at as great an elevation as the 

 spontaneous growth of the willow or any underwood forms suffi- 

 cient shelter. It likewise frequents the wooded borders of 

 well-kept ponds, where none of the aquatic plants alluded to 

 appear. 



Although perhaps too common-place to be remarked here, it is 

 simply from natural inclination, and not from shyness, that the 

 sedge warbler inhabits the "tangled brake." When perched, sing- 

 ing on a reed, this species has admitted my approach within about 

 three paces without ceasing its song ; and I have been amused at its 

 practice, so contrary to that of other birds, of singing only when 

 I closely passed the bush in which it was. What may perhaps be 

 termed its boldness, is evinced by any object flung into its haunt, 

 prompting the bird to sing, as if in defiance of the interruption, or, 

 as a well-known author might imagine, "to keep its courage 

 up." The amusing song of this species is sometimes heard from 

 its arrival until the end of July, indeed until its departure, and 

 by night as well as by day. It is the warbler chiefly heard in 

 summer nights, and consequently has been honoured by the flat- 

 tering appellation of Irish nightingale. A bird described to me 

 by the Rev. T. Knox, as frequenting the county of Westmeath 

 and the vicinity of the river Shannon, is, I have little doubt, the 

 sedge warbler. In Connemara, it is said to be common ; also 

 in the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wex- 

 ford. With reference to the last, Mr. Poole communicates the 

 dates of its arrival in six years to be April 22, 28, 30 ; May 9, 

 10, 15 , — the departure in one year is noted 13th of August, but 

 the young birds remained longer. The nest is also remarked to 

 be " in brakes or bushes, rushes, &c, close over the stream or 

 pond the bird frequents ; " and the eggs as obtained on the 2nd 

 of June. "July, 4, 1846. — A sedge warbler's nest found in a 



